Section 4 Russia
Section
4
1
Russia
General Situation
1
Security and Defense Policies
Basic Posture
Russia believes that it needs to plan for further strengthening of
military capability in light of potential challenges and threats
toward Russia’s security3.
Approved in May 2009, the National Security Strategy of
the Russian Federation through to 2020 sets out the objectives
and strategic priorities, in domestic and foreign policies.
The National Security Strategy views that Russia’s influence has been strengthened by a policy of promoting the multipolarization of the world and using the potential of Russia.
The unilateral approach to the use of force and confrontation
of major countries in international relations is listed as having a
negative impact on the interests of Russia, and Russia expresses
vigilance over the United States’ plan to deploy a missile defense
system (MD) in Europe as well as the approach of NATO’s
military infrastructure to the Russian border.
As for national defense, Russia cites as challenges a shift
to a new military structure by increasing the number of permanent readiness units4 and improving organizational and military
alignment, while maintaining the capabilities of its strategic
nuclear forces.
The Military Doctrine of the Russian Federation, formulated in February 2010 as a document substantiating the principles
1
2
3
4
of the National Security Strategy in the military sphere, demonstrates the recognition that, while the probability of a largescale war breaking out is on the decline, the military dangers
facing Russia are increasing, which is demonstrated by the
approach of NATO’s military infrastructure to the Russian border,
including the expansion of NATO, as well as the construction
and deployment of strategic MD systems. Furthermore, it also
states that Russia will maintain permanent combat-readiness to
deter and prevent conflict.
The doctrine regards nuclear weapons as an essential component for preventing the outbreak of nuclear wars and wars
that use conventional weapons and claims that Russia maintains a sufficient level of nuclear deterrent capacity and reserves
the right to use nuclear weapons in response to an event where
nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction are to be used
against it or its allies or under circumstances wherein conventional weapons have been used against it and where the survival
of the country itself is imperiled.
2
Military Reform
Russia began a full-scale process for military reform in 1997 by
heeding the three pillars of reform: downsizing, modernization,
and professionalization.
Annual State of the Nation Address by President Putin (December 2012).
In his papers to serve as a campaign platform published after January 2012, then Prime Minister Putin listed as his policies: expanding the participation in politics by the people; prevention of
corruption; strengthening of domestic industries by departing from the resource-dependent economy to modernize the economy, and that the middle class should play a leading role in society.
Statement made by President Putin at the expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board (December 2013).
The permanent readiness units have been created by reorganizing troops in the midst of a military forces reduction after the launch of the Russian Federation’s military forces, to strengthen
combat readiness through concentrating personnel. The units are expected to promptly respond during the first phase of a large-scale war or in the event of a minor conflict.
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Defense Policies of Countries
2
eight years (two terms) from 2000 to 2008 won the presidential
election in March 2012 and took office in May of the same year.
How President Putin will gain broader support in the country
and handle issues concerning the modernization including
structural reform of the economy while maintaining his power
base will be the focus of attention2. According to an opinion
poll, the people overwhelmingly supported the “annexation” of
Crimea in March 2014. Coupled with the success of the Sochi
Olympic Games, the approval ratings of President Putin have
increased sharply.
Chapter 1
Russia, while claiming that it has completed the stage of revival
and strengthening, and setting an agenda of constructing a prosperous Russia, attaches importance to becoming an influential
power underpinned by its new position of economic, cultural
and military power1. Specifically, Russia recognizes that it must
undertake a number of sweeping modernizations, including departing from its conventional resource-dependent economy, establishing a democratic political system based on the Russian
tradition and eradicating corruption.
Then Prime Minister Putin who had served as president for
Part I
Security Environment Surrounding Japan
Chapter 1
Defense Policies of Countries
Moreover, based on the policy statement “Future Outlook
of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation” that was approved by then President Medvedev in September 2008, Russia
is advancing measures to modernize its army, including troop
reductions, structural reforms (from the command structure
based on divisions to that based on brigades5), strengthening
of combat-readiness, and the development and introduction of
new equipment.
Regarding the downsizing of the military forces, the country aims to achieve troop reduction in order to maintain an
adequate troop level of one million personnel by 20166. Since
December 2010, Russia reorganized its six military districts into
four military districts (western, southern, central and eastern
districts), and based on this, Russia established an integrated
strategic command in each military district and is carrying out
integrated operations of its entire military forces such as the
ground force, naval force and air force under the control of the
Military District Commander.
Regarding the modernization of the military forces, based
on the state policy on military equipment for the period of 2011
to 2020 that appeared to have been approved by the President by
the end of 2010, Russia intends to further modernize its equipment and invest about 20 trillion rubles (about 55 trillion yen) to
increase its percentage of new equipment up to 70%7 by 2020.
Regarding the professionalization of the military forces, in
order to make the combat readiness of the permanent readiness
units effective, Russia is promoting the introduction of a con-
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
54
See
Fig. I-1-4-1 (Change in Russia’s Defense Budget)
Fig. I-1-4-1 Change in Russia’s Defense Budget
(100 million rubles)
Defense Budget (in 100 million rubles)
Year-on-year growth rate
(%)
25,000
30
20,000
25
20
15,000
15
10,000
10
5,000
0
5
10
11
12
13
14
(FY)
0
Note: Official figures announced by the Russian Government
Military Posture and Trends
Russia’s military force is derived not only from the Russian
Federation Armed Forces, but also from forces such as the
Border Troops of the Border Service of the Federal Security
Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) and the Interior Troops
of the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation. The
Russian Federation Armed Forces have three services (forces)
and three independent corps (units): ground force, naval force,
air force and strategic-rocket unit, aerospace defense forces9,
and airborne unit10.
See
tract service system which selects personnel through contracts
from among the conscripted military personnel. However, further review has been under way to address difficulties in securing personnel due to such problems as a high turnover rate and
financial restraints8.
It is thought that Russia will continue these measures to
improve the conventional military forces along with its efforts
to maintain its strategic nuclear deterrent capabilities against
the backdrop of the national defense budget that has been increasing in recent years.
Fig. I-1-4-2 (Location and Strength of Russian Military)
1
Nuclear Forces
Russia emphasizes its nuclear forces to secure its global standing and to strike a balance with the nuclear forces of the United
States as well as to supplement its inferiority in conventional
forces. It is thus believed that Russia is working to maintain a
state of immediate readiness for its nuclear force unit.
Russia still possesses intercontinental ballistic missiles
(ICBM), submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and
long range bombers (Tu-95 Bears and Tu-160 Blackjacks) fol-
The command structure is reorganized from the four-tiered structure of military district–army–division–regiment, to a three-tiered structure of military district– operational command–brigade.
This was supposed to have been completed in December 2009, but in May 2013 the Guards Tamanskaya Motorized Rifle Division and the Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division, which had
supposedly been reorganized in brigades under Minister of Defence Anatoliy Serdyukov, were revived and participated in a victory parade.
It was decided that the total military force would be limited to 1 million people as of 2016 by a presidential order in December 2008 (about 1.13 million people as of 2008).
In his paper on national defense policy published in February 2012 to serve as a campaign platform, then Prime Minister Putin indicated to strengthen military power including nuclear force,
aerospace defense and naval power by spending about 23 trillion rubles (about 63 trillion yen) in 10 years.
Reasons behind the promotion of the contract service system may include decrease of the population suitable for military service and the shortening of the conscription period (from January 2008,
the conscription period has been shortened to 12 months). At the expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board in December 2013, Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu stated that personnel
adequacy was 82% and the contracted soldiers were about 220,000.
The Aerospace Defence Forces were established in December 2011 based on the existing space unit and the units assigned under the air force as one corps with missions including outer space
surveillance, missile attack alarm, defense against ballistic missiles and aerospace attacks and satellite launches.
Three air assault brigades which were under the ground forces were reorganized in the airborne unit in November 2013.
DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2014
Section 4 Russia
Fig. I-1-4-2 Location and Strength of Russian Military
Baltic Fleet
Kaliningrad
Northen Fleet
Severomorsk
Chapter 1
Black Sea Fleet
Sevastopol
(in Ukraine)
Western Military District
(Western Joint Strategic Command)
(HQ: Saint Petersburg)
Central Military District
Defense Policies of Countries
Caspian Flotilla
Astrankhan
Eastern Military District
(Eastern Joint Strategic Command)
(HQ: Khabarovsk)
(Central Joint Strategic Command)
(HQ: Yekaterinbung)
Southern Military District
(Southern Joint Strategic Command)
(HQ: Rostov-on-Don)
Pacific Flotilla
Vladivostok
The United States Geological Survey: GTOP30; and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Geophysical Data Center: ETOP01
Russia
Total military forces
Ground troops
Ground
forces
Maritime
forces
Approx. 290,000 troops
T-90, T-80, T-72, etc. Approx. 2,550
Tanks
(Not including mothballed tanks.
Approx. 20,550 including mothballed tanks)
Warships
Approx. 980 vessels Approx. 2,070,000 tons
Aircraft carriers
1 vessel
Cruisers
5 vessels
Destroyers
15 vessels
Frigates
29 vessels
Submarines
63 vessels
Marines
Approx. 20,000 troops
Combat aircraft
Approx. 1,560 troops
Modern fighter aircraft
224 MiG-29 aircraft 10 Su-30 aircraft
160 MiG-31 aircraft 18 Su-33 aircraft
220 Su-25 aircraft
28 Su-34 aircraft
289 Su-27 aircraft
12 Su-35 aircraft
(4th generation fighter aircraft: Total 961)
Bombers
16 Tu-160 aircraft
62 Tu-95 aircraft
63 Tu-22M aircraft
Air forces
Reference
Approx. 850,000 troops
Population
Approx. 142.50 million
Term of service
1year (In addition to conscription, there is a contract service system)
Source: The Military Balance 2014, etc.
Defense of Japan
55
Part I
Security Environment Surrounding Japan
Chapter 1
Defense Policies of Countries
lowing only the United States in scale.
Russia is obligated to reduce strategic nuclear arms pursuant to the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty concluded
with the United States11. Russia is working to accelerate the
development and introduction of new weapons following the
policy to prioritize the modernization of nuclear forces based
on its state policy on military equipment.
Russia started the deployment of the RS-24, which is
considered as a multi-warhead version of the Topol-M, in
March 201112. In January 2013, “Yuri Dolgoruky,” the first of
Borey-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines
(SSBN), which are believed to carry the new-type SLBM
Bulava, was delivered to the Northern Fleet13. And “Alexander
Nevsky,” the second of these submarines, was delivered to the
Pacific Fleet in December 2013.
In October 2013, a surprise inspection designed to validate
the combat readiness of strategic nuclear units was implemented under the control of President Putin, involving two ICBMs
and two SLBMs as well as live firing of three air-launched
cruise missiles (ALCMs) from long-range bombers. In May
2014 also, a field training exercise was conducted including one
ICBM and two SLBMs as well as live firing of six ALCMs14.
As for non-strategic nuclear forces, Russia scrapped
ground-launched short- and intermediate-range missiles with
a range of between 500 and 5,500 km by 1991 in accordance
with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with
the United States, and removed tactical nuclear weapons from
naval vessels and stored them in onshore missile silos in the
following year. Russia, however, still possesses a broad array
of nuclear forces.
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
56
2
Conventional Forces and Other Issues
It is assumed that Russia is implementing the development and
procurement of conventional forces based on its state policy
on military equipment. There is a need to pay close attention
to Russia’s development, procurement and deployment of new
equipment in addition to the introduction of Su-35 fighters,
which includes the so-called fifth generation fighters15 and the
Mistral-class amphibious assault ships16.
Furthermore, Russian military forces have been carrying
out a range of exercises17 and since February 2013, they have
been conducting surprise inspections designed to validate the
combat readiness of the military districts and independent
corps for the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union18.
Outside of Russia, Russian military forces have continued to
participate in the counter-piracy operations off the coast of
Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, and maintained deployment of vessels in the Mediterranean Sea19. In September
2013, a Kirov-class missile cruiser was deployed to the eastern
In April 2010, Russia and the United States signed the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty I (START I) and the treaty came into force in February
2011. Each side is obligated to reduce deployed strategic warheads to 1,550 and their deployed delivery platforms to 700 within seven years after the entry into force of the treaty. In April 2014,
the U.S. announced that Russia’s deployed strategic warheads was 1,512 and their deployed delivery platforms was 498 as of March 1, 2014.
In March 2011, the first regiment of RS-24 missiles was operationally deployed in the division in Teykovo, in the Ivanovo Oblast northeast of Moscow. In December 2013, at the expanded meeting
of the Defence Ministry Board, Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu stated that in 2013 one rocket regiment and two rocket battalions will be upgraded to RS-24 missiles and an additional rocket
regiment and four rocket battalions will be upgraded to RS-24 missiles in 2014. In addition, it is believed that Russia is promoting the development of a new heavy ICBM that can destroy robust
ICBM launch sites and mount a large number of warheads, light-weight mobile solid-fuel ICBMs, as well as new warheads of enhanced capability to penetrate missile defense.
Russia plans to build eight Borey-class SSBNs by 2020. Of the 19 test launches of Bulava missiles conducted between September 2005 and September 2013, 11 test launches were
successful. It is believed that the September 2014 Bulava missile test launched from the Alexander Nevsky failed due to a faulty nozzle part. The Russian Ministry of Defence is planning an
additional five tests.
Under the leadership of President Putin, an exercise of strategic nuclear units, said to be the largest in recent years, took place in October 2012. The objective of the exercise was to assess the
automated communication management system and the new command algorithms for strategic nuclear forces through the integrated action of all components of strategic nuclear systems. The
exercise involved one ICBM and one SLBM and the firing of four ALCMs. Surprise inspections are exercises designed to assess the combat readiness of the various service commands by ordering
units to complete operational maneuvers without prior warning.
According to various news reports, the fifth prototype of Russia’s fifth generation fighter, the PAK FA (Future Air Complex for Tactical Air Forces), conducted trial flights in October 2013. In March
2013, Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force Bondarev, stated that the PAK FA will be introduced in 2016.
In December 2010, Russia decided to purchase two ships from a consortium with France. Their construction contract was signed in June 2011, and the launching ceremony of the first ship,
Vladivostok, was held in October 2013 in a French shipyard. Furthermore, it is said that Commander of the Pacific Fleet Sergei Avakyants reported to Minister of Defence Shoigu, who visited
Vladivostok in February 2014, that the docking infrastructure for the Vladivostok and a second ship, the Sevastopol, will be constructed before the end of September 2015.
Advancing its military reform, Russia has been conducting large-scale exercises for verification and other purposes. Exercises involving field training at the level of military district and above
include: “Vostok-2010” conducted in the former Far Eastern Military District and the former Siberian Military District between June and July 2010; and “Center 2011” in the Central Military
District, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in September 2011. “Caucasus-2012” was carried out in the Southern Military District in September 2012. In addition, “Zapado-2013” was carried
out in the Western Military District and in the territories of Belarus in September 2013.
DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2014
Section 4 Russia
Arctic for the first time, where it conducted military exercises20.
In this way, the Russian military forces are showing signs
of growing activity and expansion of their area of operations.
As for the future Russian military forces, since there are
4
1
Russian Forces in the Vicinity of Japan
General Situation
19
20
21
22
23
(3) Naval Forces
The Pacific Fleet is stationed and deployed from its main
bases in Vladivostok and Petropavlovsk. The fleet comprises
about 240 ships with a total displacement in the region of
about 600,000 tons, including about 20 major surface ships
and about 20 submarines (about 15 of which are nuclear
powered submarines) with a total displacement of about
300,000 tons.
(4) Air Forces
In the Eastern Military District, Russia deploys about 340
combat aircraft from its Air Force and Navy combined. This number continues to shrink, but existing models are being modified
and new models (Su-35 fighters) are being introduced23 to improve their capabilities.
2
Russian Forces in Japan’s Northern Territories
Since 1978 under the regime of the former Soviet Union, Russia
has been redeploying ground troops on Kunashiri, Etorofu, and
Shikotan Islands of Japan’s Northern Territories, which are
inherent territories of Japan. The numbers of military personnel
are considered to be far less than at past peak times, however,
one division with mainly defensive duties is stationed in this
Surprise inspections were conducted in February 2013 in the Central Military and Southern Military Districts; in March 2014 in the Southern Military District; in May 2014 in the Western Military
District; in July 2014 in the Eastern and Central Military Districts; in October there was a surprise inspection of the strategic nuclear units; and between February and March 2014 unannounced
inspections were conducted in the Western and Central Military Districts. At the December 2013 expanded meeting of the Defence Ministry Board, Minister of Defence Shoigu said that continued
unannounced inspections are essential.
Russia’s naval fleet in the Mediterranean, for which formation was completed on June 1, 2013, is positioned as a permanent operational force.
The Temp Airport on the New Siberian Islands (Novosibirsk) located in the Eastern Arctic, has been closed since 1993, but in October 2013, was restored to operation through the support of the
Northern Fleet.
Eastern Military District’s headquarters are in Khabarovsk.
In January 2014, ITAR-TASS reported that the submarine is expected to arrive in Vilyuchinsk on the Kamchatka Peninsula, where the submarine will be stationed, in autumn 2014. Furthermore,
in February 2014, Minister of Defence Shoigu visited Vilyuchinsk to inspect the state of construction of the submarine docking infrastructure.
In February 2014, 12 Su-35 fighter jets entered service with the 23rd Fighter Regiment based in Khabarovsk.
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Defense Policies of Countries
(1) Nuclear Forces
As for strategic nuclear forces in the Far East region, ICBMs,
such as SS-25s and about 30 Tu-95 long-range bombers are
deployed mainly along the Trans-Siberian Railway. In addition,
the Delta III-class SSBNs carrying SLBMs are deployed in and
around the Sea of Okhotsk. By and large strategic nuclear units
maintain readiness posture. In a surprise inspection conducted
in October 2013 and a field training exercise conducted in May
2014 for the strategic nuclear unit, the Delta III-class SSBNs
launched SLBMs in the Sea of Okhotsk. And in December
2013, the second of the Borey-class SSBNs Alexander Nevsky
is being deployed in the Pacific Fleet22.
(2) Ground Forces
As part of its military reforms, it is believed that Russia is promoting reorganization from a division-based command structure to a brigade-based one, while also shifting all of its combat
forces into permanent readiness units. The Eastern Military
District now consists of eleven brigades and one division with
about 80,000 personnel in total and has a naval infantry brigade
with an amphibious capability.
Chapter 1
Russia newly established the Eastern Military District and the
Eastern Joint Strategic Command in 201021. In addition to ground
forces, the Pacific Fleet, air force, and air defense units have also
been placed under the control of the Military District Commander,
who has unified control over each of these services.
The current presence of the Russian military forces in the
Far East region is comparatively much smaller than it was at its
peak. However, a considerable scale of military forces, including
nuclear forces, still remains in the region. Russian military operations in the vicinity of Japan appear to be increasingly active.
Given that the Russian military forces set their basis of
operation on maintaining the combat readiness of their strategic nuclear units as well as dealing with conflicts through the
inter-theater mobility of its round-the-clock readiness units,
it is necessary to continue paying attention to the positioning and
trends of the Russian military forces in the Far East region while
also keeping in mind the movement of units in other regions.
18
opaque elements which may be influenced by Russia’s future
economic and social development, it is necessary to continue to
observe their future trends.
Part I
Security Environment Surrounding Japan
Chapter 1
Defense Policies of Countries
region and there are deployed tanks, armored vehicles, various
types of artillery, and anti-air missiles24.
After then President Medvedev visited Kunashiri
Island25 for the first time as head of state in November 2010,
Russia started replacement of equipment and construction
of facilities, among other measures, to ensure the security of
the “Kuril” Islands.
The number of Russian military personnel stationed in
this region in 1991 was about 9,500, and at the Japan-Russia
Defense Ministerial Meeting held in 1997, then Russian
Defence Minister Rodionov made it clear that the troops stationed in the Northern Territories had been reduced to 3,500
soldiers by 1995. In July 2005, when then Russian Defence
Minister Ivanov visited the Northern Territories, he declared
that Russia would neither increase nor decrease the troops
stationed on the four islands, clearly showing an intention to
maintain the status quo26.
As mentioned above, Russian troops continue to be stationed in the Northern Territories, which are inherent territories
of Japan, and it is hoped that the issue will be resolved at an
early date.
3
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
58
*
Operations in the Vicinity of Japan
Activities by Russian military forces in the vicinity of Japan
including exercises and drills that are believed to have objectives such as verification of the results of military reform are
on the rise.
In the large-scale military exercise “Vostok-2010” that
was conducted from June to July 2010, it is thought that
Russia could verify its ability to respond to conflicts under its
new command structure and also its ability to manage units
from different services in an integrated manner. In addition, by
mobilizing troops that are not stationed in this region to the Far
East exercises, it is considered that Russia verified its ability to
deploy forces in regions far from where they are stationed27.
In July 2013, a surprise inspection was conducted in the
24
Eastern Military District involving about 160,000 personnel,
more than 5,000 combat vehicles, 130 aircraft and 70 naval vessels. Furthermore, between August and September 2013, the
Pacific Fleet conducted large scale exercises involving about
15,000 personnel, 50 naval vessels and 30 aircraft in the coast
region, Sakhalin, waters off east of Kamchatka Peninsula, and
Chukchi Peninsula28. Notably, as part of these exercises naval
infantry of the Pacific Fleet conducted landing drills on the
Kuril Islands for the first time since the end of the Cold War29.
The number of exercises carried out by Russian ground
forces in the areas adjacent to Japan has decreased from the
peak, however, some activities seem to be on the rise again.
With regard to naval vessels, their activities seem to be on
the rise in recent years. For example, joint exercises and counter-piracy operations have been carried out, in long voyages by
vessels deployed in the Pacific Fleet, and nuclear submarines
are carrying out patrols30. In September 2011, 24 naval vessels
including a Slava-class guided missile cruiser passed through
the Soya Strait one after the other. This was the first time ever
identified since the end of the Cold War that Russian naval vessels on this scale passed through the strait31. In a surprise inspection conducted in the Eastern Military District (July 2013),
The 18th Machine Gun and Artillery Division which comprises two regiments is Russia’s only machine gun and artillery division following the military’s progress in reforming divisions into brigades,
and is stationed on Etorofu Island and Kunashiri Island. The Division aims to prevent landings, and participated in surprise inspections conducted for the Eastern Military District in July 2013.
After the visit, Kunashiri Island and Etorofu Island were visited by First Deputy Prime Minister Shuvalov in December 2010, by then Regional Development Minister Basargin in January to February
2011, and by then Deputy Prime Minister Ivanov in May 2011. Furthermore, Security Council Secretary Patrushev visited Kunashiri Island and Suisho Island of the Habomai Islands in September
2011. In addition, in January 2011, Deputy Minister of Defence Bulgakov, and, in February 2011, then Minister of Defence Serdyukov visited Kunashiri Island and Etorofu Island and inspected
the units stationed there. Furthermore, Prime Minister Medvedev visited Kunashiri Island in July 2012.
During the 1998 visit to Russia by our Administrative Vice-Minister of Defence, then Russian Minister of Defence Sergeyev commented that the number of Russian troops stationed in the Northern
Territories was being steadily decreased. Also, a senior official of the General Staff stated that troops on the “Kuril Islands” would be maintained at around 3,500, within the process of reorganizing
the division into a brigade.
In September 2011, a large-scale exercise was held involving anti-vessel and anti-aircraft live fire drills and landing drills in eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. More than 10,000 personnel, 50 naval
vessels and 50 aircraft participated in the exercise. Furthermore, between June and July 2012, various exercises, including landing drills, were conducted in Sakhalin involving about 7,000 personnel, 40 naval vessels, and 60 aircraft. Through these drills and exercises, the units trained and improved ability to cope with various situations. Moreover, Vostok 2014, a large-scale exercise,
is planned to be held in the Eastern Military District in 2014.
In August 2013, the naval infantry of the Pacific Fleet completed a landing drill for the first time on Chukchi Peninsula in the Arctic.
An article published on the Ministry of Defence website on the November 27, 2013 Naval Infantry Day.
The number of cases of the Russian fleet passing through the three international straits (Soya, Tsugaru, and Tsushima) of Japan that have been identified and disclosed in FY2013 is as follows:
eleven cases in the Soya Strait (eleven in 2011, six in 2012), one case in the Tsugaru Strait (one in 2011, two in 2012), and four cases in the Tsushima Strait (seven in 2011, five in 2012).
A part of 24 naval vessels participated in an exercise conducted in the eastern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula and other places.
DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2014
Section 4 Russia
Fig. I-1-4-3 (Changes in the Number of Scrambles against Russian
Aircraft)
Fig. I-1-4-3 Changes in the Number of Scrambles against
Russian Aircraft
(Times)
400
Defense Policies of Countries
See
A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft flying over the Sea of Japan (February 24, 2014)
Chapter 1
23 vessels passed through the Soya Strait. In August of the
same year, 16 vessels passed through the Soya Strait.
Regarding aircraft, since the resumption of patrol activities by its strategic aviation units in 2007, Russia has been increasing flights by long-range bombers and carrying out flights
of Tu-95 long-range bombers and Tu-160 long-range bombers
which are refueled in mid-flight and supported by A-50 early
warning aircraft and Su-27 fighters32. Moreover, due to an upturn in its fuel situation, among other factors, pilot training time
is on an upward trend, and in September 2011 and March and
December 2013 Tu-95 long-range bombers, etc. took a route
that circled the area encompassing Japan. There also seems to
be an increase in activities such as flights approaching Japan
and exercises and training33, as exemplified by the abnormal
flights of Russian aircraft detected on seven consecutive days
and the flights by six individual Tu-95 long-range bombers on
one single day between March and April 201434.
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
32
33
34
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
(FY)
The Russian Ministry of Defence announced in January 2014 that surveillance flights of two Tu-95 long-range bombers took place with the assistance of Su-27 fighter jets and A-50 airborne
early warning and control aircraft.
Long-range flights in the vicinity of Japan were carried out in areas surrounding Japan by Tu-95 long-range bombers in July, September and November 2011, February and April 2012 and March
and December 2013; by Tu-22 middle-range bombers four times in August 2011; and by Tu-142 patrol aircraft in December 2013. When Tu-95 long-range bombers took a route that circled the
area encompassing Japan in September 2011, they were refueled in mid-flight by an IL-78 air tanker in the temporary danger zone set by Russia. In addition, when Tu-95 long-range bombers
flew in the vicinity of Japan in February 2012 and February 2014, other aircraft such as A-50 early warning aircraft flew with them. Two Su-27 fighters and two Tu-95 long-range bombers invaded
Japanese airspace in February 2013 and August 2013 respectively.
In April 2014, Deputy Minister of Defence Antonov stated that “Russian air force aircrafts operated in strict compliance with international law.” The Deputy Minister also asked the Japanese
Ministry of Defense to “alter its attitude toward cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Defence.”
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Part I
5
1
Security Environment Surrounding Japan
Relations with Other Countries
General Situation
Chapter 1
Defense Policies of Countries
Recognizing that, amid the trend toward multipolarity,
Russia’s international position as one of the poles of influence
is being strengthened, Russia sets out its basic foreign policy
to achieve its national interests35. Moreover, stating that its diplomacy is to be conducted based on the national security that
serves the interests of its people, Russia aims at a practical
diplomacy conducive to solving issues toward modernizing
the country’s economy36.
Toward this goal, while strengthening the economic cooperation with Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
countries, Russia is taking initiatives to strengthen its ties with
the United States and European countries to achieve modernization, launching the building of a partnership with the European
Union (EU)37. Also from the perspective of its own modernization, Russia considers that it needs to strengthen its relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region38. Close attention
should be paid to how Russia, with its diplomatic stance focused on the benefits of achieving its own modernization, will
develop its relations with other countries in the future, including in the area of security.
2
Relations with Asian Countries
Russia recognizes that the significance of the Asia-Pacific
region is increasing within its multi-pronged foreign policy,
and the relationship with Asian countries is also important
from the viewpoint of economic development in Siberia and the
Far East39, anti-terrorist measures, and security40. In the presidential order concerning foreign policy issued in May 2012,
President Putin holds up his policy to participate in the integration process of the Asia-Pacific region in order to accelerate
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socioeconomic development in the East Siberia and Far East
regions, and stated that Russia will work to develop relationships with Japan, the Republic of Korea and other countries in
addition to China41, India and Vietnam42.
Under this policy, Russia has participated in various frameworks in the Asia-Pacific region43. The Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) Summit was held in Vladivostok in
September 2012.
With regard to Russia-India relations, the two countries
maintain a close relationship under a strategic partnership, with
the leaders of both countries paying mutual visits to the other.
In October 2013, President Putin held talks with Prime Minister
Singh when he visited Russia, during which they reached an
agreement on enhanced military cooperation including arms
exports. The two countries are strengthening their military
technology cooperation, including the joint development of the
fifth generation PAK FA fighter jet and the BrahMos supersonic
cruise missile. Additionally, since 2003 Russia and India have
been conducting INDRA anti-terrorism exercises involving the
armies and navies of both countries. Regarding the relationship
with Japan, Russia states that it will develop mutually beneficial cooperation and is intensifying its approach in many fields
including politics, economy and security.
3
Relations with the Commonwealth of
Independent States
(1) General Situation
Russia has positioned the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the CIS as the highest priority of its
diplomatic policy. Stating that its vital interests are concentrated in the territories of the CIS44, Russia has been making
efforts to maintain its military influence45, such as by dispatching
The Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation (released in July 2008).
According to the speech by then President Medvedev at the Meeting with Russian Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to International Organizations (July 2010) and the annual state
of the nation address (November 2009, November 2010 and December 2011). In his paper on foreign policy published in February 2012 to serve as a campaign platform, then Prime Minister
Putin showed his stance to ensure Russia’s security and interests while developing mutually-beneficial cooperative relationships with other countries.
In Izvestia on October 4, 2011, then Prime Minister Putin advocated the foundation of a “Eurasia Union” to strengthen economic partnerships in the region built on the customs union and the unified
economic block. In addition, eight CIS countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia) signed the CIS Free Trade Zone Agreement in the same month.
According to the speech by then President Medvedev at the Meeting with Russian Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to International Organizations (July 2010) and the annual state
of the nation address (November 2010).
Russia is currently developing resources in Siberia and Sakhalin.
The Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation (released in July 2008). In his paper on foreign policy to serve as a campaign platform published in February 2012, then Prime Minister
Putin expressed his recognition that the importance of the whole Asia-Pacific region was rising.
See Part I, Chapter 1, Section 3-3 for the relationship with China
President Putin made an official visit to Vietnam and ROK in November 2013.
Russia has participated in regional frameworks, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the
East Asia Summit (EAS since 2011).
After the conflict with Georgia in August 2008, then President Medvedev indicated that Russia recognized as one of its five principles of diplomacy the area of privileged interests for Russia.
While some CIS countries continue to prioritize their relations with Russia, such as Belarus and Kazakhstan, others are attempting to maintain a distance from Russia. Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan,
and Moldova have been taking mostly pro-Western policies to reduce their security and economic dependence on Russia. In September 2012, Kyrgyzstan and Russia agreed on a 15-year extension of the period of use of Russian military bases in Kyrgyzstan, which otherwise would end in 2017. In October 2012, Tajikistan and Russia agreed to extend the lease of the base of Russia’s
201st Motor Rifle Division in Tajikistan until 2042. In December 2013, Su-27 fighters of the Russian naval force were deployed in Belarus for the first time.
DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2014
Section 4 Russia
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48
49
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51
In Transnistria, located on the eastern side of the Dniester River, ethnic Russian residents declared separation and independence from Moldova in 1990, but was never recognized as such by the
international community. Following the annexation of Crimea into Russia, in March 2014 the Parliament of Transnistria urged Russia to also incorporate the region. Moreover, during a telephone
conference between President Putin and President Obama in March 2014, President Putin pointed out that Transnistria is experiencing a blockade. A Russian unit of about 1,500 troops is
currently stationed in Transnistria.
After the conflict with Russia in August 2008, Georgia withdrew from the CIS in August 2009, but Russia unilaterally recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in the Georgian
territory and continues to have troops stationed in the regions. In the parliamentary election in October 2012 “Georgian Dream,” an opposition alliance with a campaign promise of improving
Georgia-Russia relations, defeated the ruling “United National Movement” that adopts an anti-Russian policy. In the presidential election of October 2013, Giorgi Margvelashvili, backed by “Georgian Dream,” was elected and became president in November of the same year. In his inauguration speech, President Margvelashvili stated that he was ready to deepen the dialogue with Russia,
expressing his intention to continue with pro-Euro, pro-U.S. lines while pursuing improvement of the relationship with Russia.
In May 1992, leaders of six countries (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) signed the Collective Security Treaty (CST) in Toshkent, Uzbekistan. In 1993, Azerbaijan,
Georgia and Belarus joined the treaty, which came into effect in April 1994. However, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Uzbekistan withdrew from the treaty in 1999 without renewing it. In May 2002, CST
was reorganized into the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Uzbekistan returned to CST in August 2006 but gave notice of suspension of participation in CSTO in June 2012, effectively
withdrawing from the organization.
Learning from the fact that CSTO could not sufficiently respond to the request by Kyrgyzstan for peace keeping at the time of the ethnic conflict in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan in June 2010,
CSTO has been discussing improvement in the efficiency of its crisis response system. The CSTO summit meeting in December 2011 warned against foreign forces’ stationing in a member
state by requiring the consent of all member states when any member state builds a base of a third country. CSTO joint exercises, “Vzaimodeistvie” (cooperative operation), were implemented in
Kazakhstan in October 2009 and October 2010, in Armenia in September 2012, and in Belarus in September 2013.
During the December 2013 expanded meeting of the Russian Defence Ministry Board, President Putin said that the withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 would be a destabilizing element to not only Afghanistan but also the wider Central Asia and could also pose a threat to the national interests and security of Russia.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei stated during a March 2, 2014 press conference that “China maintains the principle of non-intervention in domestic affairs of other countries
and respects the independence, sovereignty and the protection of territories of Ukraine.” During a March 7, 2014 press conference, Hong Lei said, “China has always opposed the rushed implementation of sanctions during a period of deteriorating international relations and the use of sanctions as a means of intimidation. China hopes that all relevant nations seek to avoid a further
deterioration of the situation and seek political resolution of the crisis.” Hong Lei avoided directly answering the question as to whether he believes that the referendum in Crimea was in violation
of international law, saying “China urges all forces in Ukraine to resolve the issue peacefully through dialogue and negotiation under a legal and well-ordered framework. China also urges all
forces in Ukraine to protect the interests of Ukrainians, promptly restore order and maintain the peace and stability of the region.” Moreover, China refused to adopt the March 2014 United Nations
Security Council Resolution ruling the referendum in Crimea invalid. During the speech delivered by President Putin following the March 2014 referendum in Crimea, Putin expressed his gratitude
to China.
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Defense Policies of Countries
(2) Ukraine
Following political upheaval in Ukraine in February 2014,
the Yanukovych Government collapsed and was replaced
by an interim government led by the opposition party. At the
same time in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in southern
Ukraine, military forces, believed to be Russian forces, occupied the Council of Ministers Building and the Parliamentary
Building. The military forces also took control of arterial roads
to the airport and the rest of Ukraine as well as some major
Ukrainian military forces facilities. In March 2014 after Russia
took effective control of Crimea, a referendum was held, asking
Crimean citizens if they wanted Crimea to be “annexed” by
the Russian Federation. Following the referendum, Russia
“annexed” Crimea. In March 2014, President Putin criticized
western nations in a speech, pledging to protect the interests
of ethnic Russian citizens of Ukraine. The United States,
European countries and Japan condemned the referendum as
it violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine
and is in violation of international laws including the Charter
of the United Nations, and have refused to recognize the
“annexation” of Crimea51. Said countries have expressed the
view that Russia’s changing of the status quo by force or coercion is a global issue that impacts the entire international community, including Asia. In April 2014, forces believed to be ethnic Russian citizens increased the intensity of their protests and
attacks against the interim Ukrainian government in eastern
and southern Ukraine. During this period, buildings including
the Council of Ministers Building were seized. In response, the
interim Ukrainian government accused Russia of involvement
and made attempts to expel the occupying forces by mobilizing
the military, etc. However, this has not led to the resolution of
the situation. On the other hand, Russia is believed to have deployed military forces consisting of as many as 40,000 personnel near the Ukraine-Russia border. In May 2014, a presidential election was held in Ukraine, except in Crimea and some
parts of Eastern Ukraine, in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
Candidate Mr. Petro Poroshenko was elected by winning a majority of the votes and assumed the office of President in June
of the same year. There have been indications that a diplomatic
solution is being sought over the Ukrainian situation, but the
situation is in a state of flux and the outlook remains extremely
volatile and uncertain.
Chapter 1
troops to be stationed in Ukraine (Crimea), Moldova
(Transdniester46), Armenia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia,
which left the CIS in August 2009 (South Ossetia, Abkhazia)47.
With increasing activities by Islamic armed insurgents
in Central Asia and the Caucasus, Russia has been pursuing
military cooperation centered on counterterrorism measures
in the region, and organized the Collective Rapid Deployment
Force in May 2001 within the framework of the CIS Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)48. Furthermore, in June
2009, a permanent joint rapid reaction force was established
to strengthen the functions of the CIS Collective Rapid
Deployment Force49.
In addition, out of concern that the worsening security in
Afghanistan could lead to the destabilization of Central Asia,
Russia and Central Asian countries are supporting Afghanistan
while considering measures to strengthen the security of borders with Afghanistan50.
Part I
Security Environment Surrounding Japan
Chapter 1
2011 would be invalidated if the United States developed,
both quantitatively and qualitatively, its MD capabilities and
threatened Russia’s potential strategic nuclear strength55.
Russia also indicates that it would withdraw from New
START in response to the United States’ recent advancement
of its MD plan in Europe56.
It is believed that Russia intends to establish a certain level
of cooperative relationship in military exchanges with the U.S.
as exemplified by Russian naval vessels’ first participation in
RIMPAC conducted in the seas around Hawaii in July 2012.
However, in light of Russia’s attitude toward the Ukrainian
situation, the United States announced that military exchanges with Russia would be halted in March 201457. Furthermore,
the U.S. exhibited actions to restrain Russia by dispatching a
missile destroyer to the Black Sea as well as F-16 fighter jets
to Poland.
Defense Policies of Countries
4
Relations with the United States
With the inauguration of the Obama administration in January
2009, the U.S.-Russia relationship, which had been stalled due
to the Russo-Georgian War, went through a period in which
both sides took the stance of improving relations, but the gap
between them has not yet been filled.
In August 2013, the U.S. expressed strong disapproval over
Russia’s decision to grant temporary asylum to Snowden, a former U.S. intelligence agency employee52. Consequently, the
U.S. notified Russia of its intention to postpone the U.S.-Russia
Summit scheduled to take place in September the same year53.
In relation to Syrian affairs, Russia expressed strong disapproval over President Obama’s announcement to take military
action against Syria on the grounds that the Syrian Government
used chemical weapons. Russia successfully encouraged the
al-Assad regime of Syria to abandon all chemical weapons.
Russia strongly opposed the deployment plan of the MD
system in Europe by the United States, stating that it would
have a negative impact on Russia’s nuclear deterrent capabilities. But in September 2009, the United States announced that
it was reviewing the proposed deployment of the MD system in
Europe54, which was cautiously welcomed by Russia.
However, Russia’s understanding is that the New Strategic
Arms Reduction Treaty (START) effective from February
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5
Relations with Europe and NATO
While the relationship between Russia and NATO temporarily
deteriorated due to factors such as the Russo-Georgian War,
through the framework of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC),
Russia now participates to a certain extent in NATO decisionmaking and acts as an equal partner in areas of mutual interest.
At the NRC summit held in Lisbon in November 2010,
Russia and NATO stated that both sides would work toward
building a true and modernized strategic partnership. They are
now searching for possibilities of dialogue and cooperation in
fields such as MD, Afghanistan, cooperation to fight terrorism,
and anti-piracy measures. With regard to MD cooperation,
there has been no progress in the cooperation of Russia and
NATO. For example, the talks at the meeting of NRC defense
ministers held in June 2011 highlighted the difference in position between NATO advocating MD cooperation in which
only information and data would be exchanged under the two
independent systems of NATO and Russia, and the position of
Russia aiming at “sector MD” in which both sides operate integrally by setting zones for each country’s responsibility under a
unified MD system of NATO and Russia.
Meanwhile, there remains the unsolved problem between
Russia and NATO about the Conventional Armed Forces in
Former U.S. intelligence agency employee Edward Snowden was charged with espionage for revealing domestic and international intelligence gathering practices. He later sought asylum in
Russia.
The U.S.-Russia Defense Ministers and Foreign Ministers meeting (Two-Plus-Two meeting) was held in Washington in August 2013 as scheduled. This was the first meeting of its kind since the
Moscow meeting in March 2008 five-and-a-half years ago.
See Part I, Chapter 1, Section 1 - 2 for the U.S. deployment plan of the MD system in Europe.
Statement by the Russian Federation concerning missile defense (April 8, 2010)
Russia has demanded a legal guarantee that the MD plan of the United States is not targeted at Russia, and claimed that the United States is not considering Russia’s concerns. Russia
issued a Presidential statement in November 2011, mentioning countermeasures such as fielding of early-warning radars and the possibility of its withdrawal from the new Strategic Arms
Reduction Treaty. In addition, in November 2013, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that if the Geneva agreement on Iran’s nuclear issues was implemented, a U.S. MD system for Europe
would not be needed.
Following the occupation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russia, U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Kirby announced in March 2014 that the U.S. will cease all military exchange with Russia
including joint exercises with Russian forces, consultations, and port calls.
DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2014
Section 4 Russia
Europe (CFE) agreement58. In addition, NATO and European
countries decided in April 2014 to cease practical support
including military aspects, excluding the ambassador-level
meetings of NRC, in response to Russia’s “annexation” of
Crimea59. NATO dispatched early warning and control aircraft
(AWACS) with an aim to monitor the airspace of NATO member states bordering Ukraine as well as the Black Sea.
6
Exportation of Arms
Chapter 1
Russia seems to actively promote the export of arms not only to
maintain the infrastructure of its military industry and to make
economic profit, but also to help promote better foreign pol-
icy. The country’s export value has been increasing in recent
years60. In January 2007, the Russian government granted the
exclusive right to export arms to the Rosoboron Export State
Corporation as part of its ongoing initiatives to improve its export system. In addition, Russia regards its military industry as
an integral part of the nation’s military organization and is committed to improving and further developing the military industry by such measures as promoting the integration of aircraft
companies such as Sukhoi, MiG, and Tupolev.
Russia has exported its fighter jets and warships to countries including India, ASEAN member countries, China,
Algeria, and Venezuela61.
Defense Policies of Countries
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At the 1999 Istanbul summit of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), an agreement was reached on changing the troop ceilings set formerly by blocks to those set by
country and territory and on complying with the current CFE Treaty until the adapted CFE Treaty comes into effect. Dissatisfied with NATO members having refused to ratify the adopted CFE Treaty
due to Russian forces not withdrawing from Georgia and Moldova, although Russia had ratified it, in December 2007 Russia suspended the implementation of the CFE Treaty and halted inspections based on this treaty. At the time of writing, only four countries had ratified the adapted CFE Treaty—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine—and it has not yet come into effect. Besides
this, Russia has proposed dissolving the existing security framework that has NATO at its center and creating a new European security treaty that would provide new fundamental principles for
security in Europe and the Atlantic region.
NATO issued a statement of condemnation over the Ukraine situation. NATO deployed additional military forces in Eastern Europe and the Baltic region, but member nations have shown varied
attitudes toward Russia. In addition to the cessation of military cooperation with Russia, the UK also announced halting of military equipment exports and the deployment of fighter jets for enhanced patrolling of the Baltic region’s airspace. Germany also expressed intentions to halt military equipment exports to Russia.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russian arms exports between 2009 and 2013 increased by 28% compared to the period between 2004 and 2008.
Russia concluded sales contracts with Indonesia for the Su-27 and Su-30 fighters in 2003 and 2007, and with Malaysia and Vietnam for the Su-30 fighters in 2003, and has delivered the fighters
to these countries. There are also reports of a sales contract with Vietnam in 2009 for the Su-30 fighters and Kilo-class submarines. In January 2014, the first of the Kilo-class submarines,
“Hanoi,” arrived in Vietnam. With regard to India, aircraft carrier “Admiral Gorshkov,” which had been refurbished in Severodvinsk, was delivered to India, renamed as INS Vikramaditya, which
arrived in India in January 2014. Moreover, in 2006, Russia concluded sales contracts with Algeria and Venezuela for arms, including Su-30 fighters, and has delivered some of these arms.
Russia’s exports to China have included Su-27 and Su-30 fighters, Sovremenny-class destroyers, and Kilo-class submarines. However, against the backdrop of the advancement of indigenous
weapon production in China, while some point out that the value of its exports to China has been declining, exports such as aircraft engines for repair purposes continue.
Defense of Japan
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Part I
Security Environment Surrounding Japan
Commentary
Column
Trend of Security in the Arctic Ocean
Chapter 1
The Arctic Region is the area north of the latitude line of 66 degrees 33 minutes north latitude, most of which is covered
by the Arctic Ocean. There are eight countries in the Arctic Region: Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark and
Norway that border the Arctic Ocean, and Finland, Sweden and Iceland that do not border it. In 1996, the Arctic Council
was established, which aims to promote cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic states, with the
involvement of the indigenous communities and other inhabitants on common Arctic issues (e.g., sustainable development
and environmental protection).
In recent years, the utility of the Northern Sea Route is increasing due to the abdomen natural resources, needs to shorten sea routes between Europe and Asia in accordance with the decrease of seawater, and to avoid the sea areas that are at
risk of international conflicts and piracy. For these reasons, the Arctic states have been more proactively promoting efforts
to acquire their interest in resource development and use of the sea route. On the other hand, each Arctic state has its own
claims in terms of the demarcation of maritime boundaries based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,
and extension of continental shelf. It is considered that some of these coastal states including Russia are promoting efforts
to provide new military capabilities for the purpose of securing their interest and defending their territories. Traditionally, the
Arctic Region has been used for deployment of strategic nuclear forces and as a transit route for them. In addition, due to
the decrease of sea ice, surface ships can now navigate for a longer period of time and in wider areas than before, and it is
considered that the region could be used for deploying maritime forces or maneuvering military forces by using maritime
transport capabilities of armed forces in the future. For these reasons, the strategic importance of the region is increasing.
Russia shows its clear intention to place strategic importance on the Arctic Region in its various policy papers. At the
same time, it has been showing the most active movement compared to other Arctic states, based on the following factors:
Russia has the largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) among the Arctic states, the abundance of potential resources in the
EEZ, the utility of the Northern Sea Route along the coastlines of Russia and its influence to Russian mainland, and its military
superiority among other Arctic states, with deployment of dominant military capabilities including the Northern Fleet. In
2007, Russia restarted patrol by long-range bombers in the Arctic Region, which had been stopped since 1992, and it also
announced restarting patrol by ballistic missile submarines, nuclear-powered (SSBN). In September 2012, a missile cruiser
that belongs to the Northern Fleet was deployed to the Laptev Sea in the Arctic Region for the first time as a Russian surface
ship. In addition, in September 2013, a fleet of vessels of the Northern Fleet advanced to the eastern Arctic Ocean to transport
materials used for reopening the Temp airfield on Kotelny Island of the New Siberian Islands. The operation of the airfield was
resumed in October 2013. Furthermore, in 2014 the Russian Naval Air Force further enhanced patrol operation above the
Northern Sea Route.
Among the non-Arctic states, 12 countries
orth of the latit
egion: n
ude
Arctic Region
Region
line
tic R
Arc
of
including Japan and China have been granted
minutes nort
3
3
s
e
h lat
gre
e
d
itud
6
6
e
observer status in the Arctic Council. China, in
Canada
particular, is showing intention to be actively
(Greenland)
involved in the activities in the Arctic Region, such
Denmark
The United States
Iceland
as conducting research activities by sending the
scientific research ship Xue Long (Snow Dragon) to
Arctic states: Eight countries
the Arctic Ocean.
Defense Policies of Countries
Sweden
Finland
Norway
Arctic Ocean
Laptev Sea
Russia
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DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2014
Kotelny Island